Hand sanitizer: the product that is always number one on your child’s back to school list, strategically placed right next to the shopping cart at Whole Foods, and everywhere in a doctor’s office. It kills harmful bacteria, and (hopefully) stops the spread of germs. But common hand sanitizer is also home to several toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals + hands = toxic chemicals ending up in your mouth and body somehow. These are some of the chemicals hiding in your hand sanitizer: 

• Triclosan: a nasty chemical similar in makeup to Agent Orange. It causes birth defects, reproductive issues, endocrine disruption. The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen. It is also an antibiotic, and has been shown to contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as it kills off the good bacteria that kills the bad. Triclosan = BAD.
  • Other known names:Aquasept, Irgasan DP 300, Microshield T, Sapoderm, Teraseptic, Trisan, Manusept
• Parabens: a preservative chemical used in virtually all common, big brand skincare products. It is known to cause human breast tumors due it its ability to mimic estrogen.
• Phthalates: chemicals that hide under the guise of “fragrance.” They are also known endocrine disrupters, and can alter genital development.